How to Collect Antique Beer Steins
Beer steins have been in use for centuries, more commonly in Europe than anywhere else. The term "beer steins" refers to pottery or pewter mugs with an attached lid. Lids were made mandatory in 16th century Germany. Some sources claim this was to protect against the spread of bubonic plague while others say it was merely to keep out flies. Many people collect beer steins that reflect other interests, such as the military, certain holidays or even places. Whether you are collecting beer steins for fun or as an investment, it is a rewarding hobby.
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Instructions
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Know your subject. Before you make your first purchase, do your research and learn everything you can about antique beer steins. This will make you a more knowledgeable buyer, not to mention giving you interesting cocktail party conversation.
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Choose a theme. Start with one kind of beer stein, such as Christmas-themed or military. Or start with one manufacturer or stay within a certain range of years, like before the fire that stopped Mettlach production for 50 years, or only collect steins produced after that. A collection that is small and comprehensive is often more valuable---and more satisfying---than one that is large and random.
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Get to know other collectors. The best thing a newbie in any field can do is find a mentor. Contact Stein Collectors International find out if there is a beer stein collector's group in your area.
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Plan your budget. As with so many things in life, it is easy to slip over the line from "hobby" to "obsession." As of early 2010, antique beer steins can range in price from $20 to thousands of dollars. Know what you can spend to get started, and put money into a special fund kept in reserve for an extraordinary find.
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Create a safe and appropriate display space. Antique beer steins should be kept out of the reach of children, out of danger from foot traffic and away from exposure to extremes of heat and cold. A glass-enclosed case is best, because casual handling is never a good idea. Most people who will pick something as interesting as a beer stein up off of a mantle will not actually open a glass case to handle it.
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Tips & Warnings
Put a dime-sized blob of earthquake fixative on the bottom of your steins to keep them from being knocked off of open shelves.
Never leave beer steins wrapped in newspaper, in boxes. This can cause discoloration.
